Victory for Northern Ireland in the qualifier against Slovakia would mean they overtake the Group Three leaders with only one match, against the Czech Republic, remaining.

"This is probably the biggest game I have been involved in, given what is at stake," said Clingan. "To get to the World Cup would be unreal. It is what dreams are made of. But we all know it is going to be a hard shift against Slovakia."

Northern Ireland are unbeaten in five competitive matches after securing a point against Poland in Chorzow on Saturday.

Nigel Worthington's side have made up ground after losing 2-1 to Slovakia in their opening game.

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"It would be great to beat them and get our own back. There is good camaraderie in the camp and the confidence is growing," said Clingan.

"There is a lot of belief in the squad and to take four points off Poland is something we would have accepted at the beginning of the campaign.

"Teams can also be a bit intimidated when they come to Windsor Park. The fans get right behind us and the players really appreciate that. It should be another special night. "

Meanwhile, under-21 manager Steve Beaglehole has backed striker Billy Kee to take his promotion to the senior squad in his stride.

Beaglehole is also coach at Kee's club Leicester City but the 18 year-old has been lent to League Two side Accrington to gain experience after suffering a knee injury last season that curtailed his progress.

Kee was due to play for the under-21s against Iceland on Tuesday but instead has a date in Belfast as Kyle Lafferty is doubtful with a knee injury.

Beaglehole said: "It is quite unbelievable what is happening to Billy. It is the stuff you read about in comics – real Roy of the Rovers."

"A lot of the time you wonder if the fear factor will kick in when you promote a player. But Billy will be able to cope, no problem."